I had a lower Blepharoplasty done 2 1/2 weeks ago where the incision was done on the outside corner of my lower lids. Before the surgery, I had a bigger eye bag under the left eye but my eyes were symmetrical. Now, 2 1/2 weeks later, I still have the bag under my left eye (some slight bruising still showing) and the left lower lid is slightly higher than the right (probably because of the skin that was excised). How can I tell if the left eye bag is still there or if it's just residual swelling?
Sue,
As you can see from virtually every answer that you have received, it is WAY too early to start obsessing over your results. The effects of swelling and scarring are just beginning. Relax and trust in your surgeon. You must have trusted him/her before surgery. Keep the faith. Good luck!
This is a good question. After any surgery, you are bound to have swelling and bruising that can last for several weeks to months. Blepharoplasty is not an exception.
The skin around the eyes is some of the thinnest in the body. Likewise, these tissues are even more susceptible to prolonged swelling after any trauma or surgery. It is not surprising that after two and half weeks you still are experiencing these issues. In fact, you may have to wait several months to see the final result.
Since you were asymmetric to start, It is not surprising that you are asymmetric after surgery - a different amount of surgery was likely required on either side to try to fix this asymmetry. Likewise,you may have differential swelling or bruising on one side compared to the other.
At this point you are early after surgery. I know it is hard, but please be patient and try not to spend your days looking in the mirror waiting for things to change. Just go about your usual activities and you will see changes week by week, not day by day.
Also, the next time you are in your surgeon's office, ask to see the pre-operative photos. Often after surgery, you analyze your face much more critically than previous. During this time you may notice asymmetries that you had not noticed before. I hope this is helpful.
David Shafer, MD Shafer Plastic Surgery
With all due respect, 2 and 1/2 weeks is way too early to examine your blepharoplasty to determine if it was done well or not. Even when we start with symmetrical eyes, it is difficult to have post-operative swelling that is identical on both eyes. When you start with severe assymetry, the swelling will most certainly be assymetrical. I routinely tell my patients to wait 4-8 weeks before making any judgement as to the quality of the outcome. So the best thing you can do to help your recovery is to relax and believe that your doctor did a great job. Positive thoughts lead to positive outcomes.
Like with any surgery, it is very difficult to evaluate the final result until the swelling has dissipated, and even then the results may not be fully present for several months. You really should give it some time to heal.
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